Response of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes to soil and foliar application of boron

Objective: To evaluate the response of growth attributes, nitrogen contents was well as mineral profile (potassium, boron and phosphorous) in different parts as a result of boron foliar, soil and soil + foliar applications in maize crop. Methods: Two maize varieties (FH-112 and sultan) were selected and boron was applied ranging from 2.5-5.0 mg kg-1 (soil), 0.05 mg L-1 (foliar) and in combination (soil + foliar). Results: The boron foliar, soil and foliar + soil treatments enhanced the growth parameter, nitrogen contents and mineral contents in root and shoot of both maize verities significantly (P<0.05). However, sultan verity showed marginally higher response in comparison to FH-112. The assimilation of dry mass, fresh mass, plant height, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and boron was observed up to 59.01%, 67.11%, 37.06%, 87.82%, 82.65%, 66.67% and boron 80.58% versus untreated control. Among boron treatments, the soil application showed superior response as compared to foliar and soil + foliar application. Conclusion: The boron certain levels was effective as a foliar application to enhance growth in maize crop and accelerated growth and assimilation of mineral revealed that the boron as a micronutrient was very effective and can be applied practically and is also extendable to other crops.